Ann Harter McCoy

May 4, 1946 -

Jan 13, 2023

Ann Harter McCoy, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Jan. 13, 2023. Ann lived a fulfilling and meaningful life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend who touched the lives of many.

Born on May 4, 1946, in Palo Alto, her childhood was spent in Yuba City, Calif. After graduation in Chico, she attended Humboldt State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in art. She met her husband and after a whirlwind engagement they were married on the Ides of March 1969. In short time, she and her husband Rod ventured north to teach in Noatak, Alaska, where they made many lifelong friends. They moved to Anchorage in 1974, and shortly took up residence on Old Harbor Avenue, where she would live for almost 50 years.

Ann was an active member of her community and a huge advocate for the arts and education to include volunteering in the PTA, as a state PTA president, member of Council for the Arts, working for Governor Cowper and serving on her community council. Once her children were old enough, she went back to school and earned her Masters of Education at Alaska Pacific University in 1993, and a Ph.D. in education from the University of Idaho in 1998. She spent the following 20 years preparing the next generation of educators at both the University of Alaska Anchorage and APU.

She loved touring in Europe with her family, and bi-annual migrations to Makaha, Hawaii. She remained an artist throughout her life, exploring many mediums including painting, calligraphy, fiber and, most beloved, photography. Her favorite photography subjects were water, birds and, most especially, her grandchildren: Mariah Johnson, Caitlin, Connor, Brady, Kenny and Molly McCoy.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents and loving spouse, Rod McCoy. Ann is survived by her siblings and spouses: Jean (Ken) Campbell, Tom (Joan) Harter and Will (Sydney) Harter. Ann will be deeply missed by her children and spouses, Bruce (Laurie) Templeton, Eric (Tamara) McCoy and Mark (Annamaria) McCoy. She is especially missed by her beloved grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Feb. 25, 2023, at Anchorage Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the many organizations Ann supported throughout her life to include, Anchorage Museum, Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, Alaska Botanical Gardens and the Alaska Zoo.